New Narratives of Hainan, the "Fruit Island": From Fields to Tables to the "International Reception Hall"
March 27 2025 - 12:45AM
Stepping into the Window of World Tropical Fruits located on the
tropical island of Hainan, China, visitors are greeted by a
dazzling array of exotic fruits from around the
globe -- finger limes, swallowtail fruits, and mamey
sapote, among others -- drawing numerous visitors who
pause to capture the moment with their cameras. Hidden among the
fruit trees, the eye-catching ripening fruits emanate delightful
aromas, particularly the milk fruit, which is set to hit the market
this April.
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Originating from the Americas, the star apple has been
introduced by Hainan Grand Modern Agriculture Development Co.,
Ltd. It is cultivated and experimentally grown at the Window of
World Tropical Fruits, gradually making its way into the orchards
of local farmers in Hainan. Currently, the cultivation area for
star apples has expanded to 1,000 mu (approximately 66.67
hectares), with an expected yield of 50 tons. This not only
enriches the options available to residents but is also poised to
become a "new favorite" in the fruit platters welcoming
visitors from near and far to Hainan.
The breeding and cultivation of tropical fruits stand as one of
Hainan's efficient characteristic agricultural industries.
Beyond the common jackfruit and mango, recent years have seen
Hainan's focused efforts on developing rare and exceptional
fruit tree varieties. Benefiting from the island's favorable
climate and soil conditions, coupled with the technological
innovation hub of the seed industry, known as the "Nanfan Silicon
Valley," a diverse array of "novel and unique" fruit
plant sources has been preserved, selected, and hybridized.
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Hainan
Province introduced that the province has introduced nearly
2,000 foreign tropical fruit and vegetable materials from
similar latitudes. This endeavor has led to the successful
cultivation and optimization of numerous tropical fruit varieties,
earning Hainan the well-deserved title of the "Fruit United
Nations."
Taking the Window of World Tropical Fruits in Qionghai, Hainan,
as an example, it has introduced over 700 varieties of "novel and
unique" tropical fruits from around the world, successfully
trialing 380 distinctive varieties, including swallowtail fruits,
chocolate pudding fruit, and finger limes. Among them, more than 20
selected varieties have entered the stage of industrial
cultivation, gradually forming a considerable scale, with 18
varieties now available in the marketplace. The scientific
achievements from the experimental fields have not only become a
source of prosperity for local rural industries but have also
allowed for the export of high-quality seedlings to countries such
as Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
In addition, the Window of World Tropical Fruits is exploring
diverse business models that merge agriculture and tourism, delving
into the deep processing of cocoa by-products. Within the park,
visitors can immerse themselves in the experience of transforming
cocoa beans into handcrafted chocolates and crafting cocoa fruit
shells into exquisite handicrafts. Moreover, the outer shells of
cocoa beans, processed through a special roasting technique, are
fashioned into substitute tea bags. The brewed tea offers a
delightful blend of rich cocoa aroma and a sweet fruity fragrance.
This unique tea has become an essential souvenir for visitors
as they depart from the park. Other creative agricultural and
cultural tourism complexes in the region include Jiahe Grange,
Little Overseas Chinese Coffee Estate, and Tanka Fishing
Rows Resort, among others.
Revered as the "Paradise of Tropical Fruits," Hainan Island
in China ensures a continuous supply of fresh fruits throughout the
year, leaving a lasting impression on both domestic and
international visitors. Since the beginning of this spring,
domestic tourists have frequently explored the orchards of
Qionghai to savor fresh strawberries and pineapples. Among the
increasing number of inbound tourists, many from Japan have praised
the Hainan mangoes, pineapples, and wax apples found in local
hotels, restaurants, and fruit shops. Tour guide Zheng Meihua, who
often hosts Korean tour groups, notes that Korean guests have a
particular fondness for Hainan's watermelons, mangoes, and
coconuts.
Today, this "Fruit Island," cherished by visitors from
around the globe, is not only dedicated to becoming the "Fruit
United Nations" but is also transforming its traditional
orchards into an "International Reception Hall."
"Our team is like a young person, racing forward in step with
Hainan's modern agricultural innovations," shares Chen Bing,
the chief agronomist of the Window of World Tropical Fruits in
Qionghai, Hainan. In 2024, the park was rated as a National 4A
Tourist Attraction, expected to welcome over 1 million domestic and
international visitors.
The Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 was held from the
25th to the 28th of this month, once again bringing together elites
from the political, business, and academic sectors across
continents in Qionghai. Hainan's mangoes, papayas, and passion
fruits, alongside Wenchang chicken and grouper,
were masterfully prepared by chefs into delectable dishes,
desserts, and beverages. This culinary experience created a
memorable encounter with guests from around the world at
Qionghai's "Beautiful Countryside Reception Hall," continuing
to weave Hainan's agricultural narrative that connects with
the global community.
Source: The Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of
Hainan Province
Contact person: Ms. Wang, Tel: 86-10-63074558